As Hurricane Matthew pummeled the East Coast earlier this month, SC and NC experienced some of the worst effects, including storm-related deaths. Flood levels are predicted to remain high for a number of days in Northeastern SC and areas of NC, displacing people in shelters, after which they will be in temporary housing. Low and moderate income communities are disproportionately affected by the aftermath of the storm.

People are joining together to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew, and some great resources are available to help victims:

South Carolina

Free legal assistance: A toll-free legal aid hotline is available to South Carolina victims of storm-related damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew in recently declared disaster areas in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Calhoun, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Sumter, Williamsburg Counties. The service, which allows callers to request the assistance of a lawyer to aid in flood related matters, is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, the South Carolina Bar, the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division and South Carolina Legal Services. Learn more.

One SC Relief Fund: is a fundraising effort that helps South Carolinians who are recovering from a disaster, such as Hurricane Matthew and the 2015 Thousand Year Flood. Donate now.

United Way Association of South Carolina: Disaster response volunteer opportunities are being updated frequently. Preliminary damage assessments are underway, and the United Way anticipates increased opportunities to volunteer in the coming days. Learn more.

North Carolina

Red Cross:

Donations are needed to help provide services, food, shelter and supplies to those in need. Donate now (you can choose Hurricane Matthew from the drop down menu).

Groups and individual volunteers are welcome at area shelters and response operations. Learn more.